New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer: Trial-Ready Since

Louisiana car accident laws have changed, affecting filing deadlines, fault rules, and insurance claims. Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest Law Firm helps New Orleans accident victims understand these rules and their legal options.

  • $150M+

    Recovered

  • Google-Rated

  • 2003

    Serving NOLA Since

Reviewed by J. Bart Kelly, III · Updated September 2026

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Why You Need a New Orleans Car Accident Lawyer

A New Orleans car accident lawyer can help when you are dealing with injuries, disputed fault, or an insurance company that is not offering a fair settlement.

At Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest Law Firm, you have direct access to the person handling your case. You can talk through what happened, ask questions as they come up, and know who is working on your claim. We are here to take the legal side off your plate while you focus on recovering.

If you were hurt in a car accident, contact Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest Law Firm for a free case review.

Do You Have a Claim?

You may have a claim if any of these situations apply:

  • Another driver was at fault for the crash.
  • You were injured, even if symptoms appeared later.
  • Your accident falls within Louisiana’s filing deadline.
  • The insurance company denied, delayed, or undervalued your claim.
  • The other driver had no insurance or limited coverage.
See If You Have a Claim

Four Louisiana Law Changes That Can Affect Your Claim

 Louisiana car accident laws have changed in recent years. These updates may affect filing deadlines, fault rules, insurance claims, and your legal options after a crash.

Two-Year Filing Deadline

For crashes on or after July 1, 2024 (La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1). Earlier crashes may still follow the previous 1 year rule.

51% fault bar

For accidents on or after January 1, 2026, you cannot recover damages if you are 51% or more at fault. 

Direct action narrowed

For cases filed on or after August 1, 2024, Louisiana changed the rules for suing insurers directly.  

No Pay, No Play

If you were uninsured when the crash happened, Louisiana’s No Pay, No Play law may limit certain damages you can recover. 

What You Can Recover After a Car Accident

After a car accident in Louisiana, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include losses such as medical bills, lost income, reduced earning ability, and property damage. Non-economic damages may include pain, emotional distress, and the impact your injuries have on your daily life. 

Your claim can also include future losses. If your injuries need ongoing treatment or limit your ability to work, those future costs may be counted when the claim is valued.

Millions Recovered for Our Clients Free Case Evaluations No Fee Unless We Win Serving Louisiana Families Since 2003 Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys
FACTORS THAT MATTER

What Affects the Value of Your Case

Several factors can affect the value of a car accident claim. The final amount depends on the details of the accident and the losses involved.

Key factors include:

  • Injury severity:

    Serious or lasting injuries can lead to greater losses.

  • Medical costs:

    Current treatment and future medical care can add to your losses.

  • Lost income:

    Missed work or reduced ability to earn can affect recovery.

  • Fault:

    Disputed fault can make a claim harder to resolve.

  • Insurance coverage:

    Policy limits and UM/UIM coverage can affect available compensation.

  • Shared fault:

    Your percentage of fault may reduce your recovery.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Rear-End Collisions

Crashes involving sudden impacts, vehicle damage, and neck or back injuries.

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Intersection & T-Bone

Often involve traffic signals, right-of-way disputes, and serious side impacts.

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Rideshare Accidents (Uber & Lyft)

May involve multiple insurance policies and rideshare coverage rules.

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Truck & 18-Wheeler Accidents

Often involve commercial vehicles, trucking companies, and federal safety rules.

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Hit-and-Run Accidents

Cases where finding the driver and gathering evidence can be difficult.

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Motorcycle Accidents

Riders may suffer serious injuries even in lower-speed crashes.

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Bicycle Accidents

Collisions can involve bike lanes, right-of-way, and driver negligence.

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Pedestrian Accidents

Often involve crosswalks, intersections, visibility, and driver behavior.

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Cases That Reached Resolution

$ 1.25 Million

Inattentive Driving:
Jury Verdict

Larry Robinson, et al vs. Amtrust Insurance Co. & Diesel Driving Academy, Inc., et al

Multi-million

Car Insurance Claim:
Settlement After Mediation

Spinal Injury Civil District Court of New Orleans

$150 Million +

Total recovered for injured
clients since 2003

Helping injured clients pursue the compensation they deserve with trusted legal representation.

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.

Talk to us about your case

What to Expect: From Consultation to Resolution

  • 01

    Initial Consultation

    Review the accident, injuries, records, and legal options.

  • 02

    Case Investigation

    Gather accident reports, medical records, photos, and witness information.

  • 03

    Insurance Claim

    Handle the insurance company and prepare a demand for compensation.

  • 04

    Negotiation or Lawsuit

    Negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit when necessary.

  • 05

    Case Resolution

    Resolve the claim through settlement or trial.

Talk to Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest Law Firm for a free consultation, 24/7. There is no fee unless we win your case. Call (504) 200-0000.

Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Claim

Admitting fault, guessing about what happened, or changing your story can create problems when the insurance company investigates the crash. Giving a recorded statement without understanding your rights can also hurt your claim.

Be careful with quick settlement offers. The first offer may not cover your future medical bills or lost income. Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media, and do not sign a settlement or other documents until you understand what you are agreeing to.

Steps To Take After A Crash

Step 01
At the scene:

Call 911, take photos, collect witness details, and avoid admitting fault.

Step 02
After the crash:

Get medical care, even if you feel fine, and request the police report.

Step 03
Before speaking to insurers:

Avoid recorded statements or signing documents before understanding your options.

Step 04
Throughout the process:

Keep records, follow treatment, and track how injuries affect your daily life.

Talk with a New Orleans car accident attorney about your claim and your options. Start Here

New Orleans Crash Statistics
And Problem Corridors

753

Traffic fatalities across
Louisiana in 2024.

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission
706

Fatal crashes recorded across Louisiana in 2024.

LSU CARTS
59,000

Injuries recorded in Louisiana crashes in 2024.

LSU CARTS
11.7%

Estimated percentage of
uninsured motorists in
Louisiana in 2023.

Insurance Research Council
Problem corridors
  • I-10 through New Orleans:

    Heavy traffic, merging lanes, and congestion can make driving conditions more difficult.

  • Claiborne Avenue corridor:

    Busy intersections, pedestrians, and changing traffic patterns require extra attention.

  • Canal Street and the French Quarter:

    Streetcars, pedestrians, visitors, and narrow streets can make traffic more complicated.

What Our Clients Say

“Bart and his team were wonderful to work with. It was clear that their vision and determination to fight for our case, is why we were able to reach a settlement, where my previous attorney was not.”

- C. Perez

Bart Kelly and his legal team reevaluated my case after another attorney backed away from a legal challenge. I just want to say thank you to Mr. Kelly and his team for their hard work and dedication in making my case successful. Thank you.

- N. Gex

“Bart and his team were wonderful to work with. It was clear that their vision and determination to fight for our case, is why we were able to reach a settlement, where my previous attorney was not.”

- C. Perez
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